Tag: Spring Training

We’re three days into Dodgers‘ spring training, and it’s so good to see the Boys in Blue (literally—I can’t get enough of those blue jerseys) and to hear the thump of the ball hitting the glove once again.

It’s less than a week now before pitchers and catchers are required to report to spring training. A few players have already been seen around Camelback Ranch—Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and Hyun-Jin Ryu were seen in the Dodgers’ Instagram stories walking by the team trucks unloading supplies for the upcoming season.

As the spring training reporting dates for players are drawing ever so near, there haven’t been a typically high number of story lines surrounding the Dodgers, aside from a few light whispers about a long-shot trade or a free agent signing. Many people don’t expect much to happen during the time between the first squad workout and the Cactus League opener against the White Sox on February 23; however, we made a list of five things to look for during the early days of camp, which could impact the landscape of the squad come Opening Day.

There’s only one week left until the Dodgers kick off the 2018 regular season against Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants. I’d be willing to bet most fans are ready for that day to come, if for no other reason than no one wants anymore injuries to occur before the start of the season.

Nine years ago my grown son dragged me to Phoenix for a weekend spring training visit. I’m a lifelong fan of the Dodgers, but had never done the “spring thing.” However, after one visit, I was hooked. I’ve gone every year since and feel fortunate that my son and his friends seem happy to include me at their annual gathering. The following may include details that you couldn’t care less about, but I’m including them for the benefit of those who have never been and who might be thinking of making the trip one day.

The end of spring training is rapidly approaching. Some things are becoming a little more clear, either through cuts or the performances of the players themselves. There is still much to be determined, namely the outfield.

Although it’s not directly related to injury, among the biggest news of the week was a fluke illness which ran rampant through the Dodgers‘ clubhouse, affecting more than 25 players, coaches and trainers.

So, apparently my previous declaration of the Dodgers never losing again after the first Cactus League game of the season was a little off base, as the team hasn’t won again since. I know, it’s only been three games, but still, guys, way to make me look bad.

Here is Northeast Pennsylvania, it is cold and rainy. But in Arizona, it’s warmer, and Dodger baseball games are being played again. Meaningless games, but games, nonetheless. It does a body good. I know so many of us are still hungover from the World Series, but there’s just something about the first game, hearing Joe Davis and Orel Hershiser again, seeing those men on the field, that maybe we have hope again.